The Millionaire's 'Friend' - Natasha's Story

Chapter 11 - Gone But Not Forgotten

I practically danced out of Central Tower as I headed back outside and towards my bike. I felt like I'd just been walking on air – lord knows why. Was it the relief that Cole wasn't actually an obnoxious prick, or the fact that he seemed genuinely touched by my act of kindness to help a stranger – who knows – but whatever it was, it kept me wearing the dumbest grin across my face for the next few days.

Only, then it started to wear off. It took me a while to realise that now Cole and I were even. He didn't owe me anything, and I didn't have any obscene monetary gestures to return. So, that was it; no more reason to see each other. I couldn't help but be unsettled by the strange way my heart seemed to sink at that thought.

But, it was probably a good thing. Cole unnerved me. Even when I was hating him for being a prick, he had somehow gotten under my skin. I mean, I met business types like him every day – obnoxious, self-important, condescending – and I smiled and carried on as normal because I had a job to do. But Cole.......Cole rattled me and I didn't understand how. That was the thing that worried me the most. That I couldn't explain to myself how he'd done it. But, like I said, I'd no more reason to see him again.

Not that that realisation made me stop thinking about him. Even my subconscious had him on her mind because on more than one occasion I found myself on the back of my bike taking a slightly longer route to where I was heading; just so that I could drive down the street where Cole's impressive tower block stood.

What was I hoping would happen? He'd see me flying passed and would flag me down and take me in his arms in the middle of the street?!

I hoped at first that these straying thoughts would at least limit themselves to work hours; where I was conscious that the next call out could be from him. But they weren't. As more days passed I still found my mind wandering to Cole, who's sparkling blue eyes and toned, masculine body popped into my head out of nowhere. Even really random times, like standing in the queue at Costa Coffee and wondering which was his favourite drink; or, getting home late in the evening and wondering if Cole was just turning in too.

But, most worryingly of all, I found myself on more than one occasion wondering he was thinking about me too.

Of course he wasn't thinking of me!!! Bloody hell woman, get a grip! A broke delivery girl with a snarky attitude and chipped nails??? Cole's type was obvious – leggy blondes with little to say for themselves, who came and went as he commanded. He was just the sort to have an airhead girlfriend; there to look pretty for any snap happy journalist who might be passing.

Thump!

A giant, doughy bread roll bounced off my head, and I looked around for a second as I dragged myself out of my head and back into my surroundings.

"What was that for?" I focused in on Fliss who was leaning against the kitchen worktop in her apartment and grinning at me.

"I asked you if you wanted any sauce on your chips?" She chuckled.

"And that question was so urgent you felt the need to abuse me with a stale bun?"

"No, not the first two times. But, when you still didn't answer, I thought reinforcements were needed."

I scowled and playfully stuck my tongue out at her, swiftly sending the roll flying back across the room.

"So, what were you thinking about?" She asked as she finished divvying up a take away and bringing me a fully loaded plate.

"Oh, I don't know, nothing much." I shrugged. "What?"

"You've been distracted for days. What gives?"